Coveney welcomes Bord Gáis fund for fuel poverty, but criticises Government for lack of action

Friday, 08 January 2010

Coveney welcomes Bord Gáis fund for fuel poverty, but criticises Government for lack of action. Surely the Government should be leading with fuel poverty initiatives rather than utility operators.

Today Simon Coveney TD, Fine Gael spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources welcomed the announcement by Bord Gáis to give €1million towards gas bills of those most in need,  but said that it raised serious questions about the Government's attitude to fuel poverty and the protection of the vulnerable during times of crisis.

'Where is Government's policy on fuel poverty and in particular, where is the Minister on this issue? Do we have to leave it up to Semi State companies like Bord Gáis to help needy families out? Our Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan must look seriously at the situation people are currently facing.'

'We cannot expect the elderly or those on social welfare to conserve heating during this time in order to keep their bills within an affordable limit. Energy bills in Ireland are much higher than many other countries in Europe and there is huge concern amongst people as to how they are going to pay these bills in the coming months.'

'I would ask the Minister to look at the state of emergency Ireland is currently in and is predicted to be in for up to another 2 weeks.  The Cabinet, as part of a response to freak conditions should be considering a range of measure to alleviate fuel poverty and support families with enormous energy and heating bills. It should not be up to companies like Bord Gais to be leading with fuel poverty initiatives.'


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